I parkedwith a feeling of trepidation and struggled to muster the courage to leave the car.My fear of being cornered again was very real, and I hated being afraid.After a few bracing breaths, I got out and did my best confident runway walk toward the main entrance, where I only saw regular foot traffic.
Gail was waiting for me just inside.
“Mr.Steele asked that I escort you to his office as soon as you arrived,” she said.
“Trouble?”I asked.
“No, not at all.The opposite, I believe.But I’ll let Mr.Steele tell you about it.”
I glanced at my phone as she walked with me to the elevators.
Dad had already called numerous times since I’d woken.I hadn’t answered.He’d even resorted to a text asking me to call him as soon as possible.Maybe after I knew what was happening, I would, but only to ensure he didn’t bother Mom again.
The people waiting at the elevators glanced at me repeatedly.I ignored them.
“I hope you didn’t encounter any more trouble after you left yesterday,” Gail said.“If you did, let Mr.Steele know.He’s already contacted media outlets to warn them about the ongoing police investigation and that Steele Corp lawyers will prosecute any further harassment you receive.”
She was so sweet defending me in front of them in her Human Resources way.
“No, no trouble, thankfully,” I said.“I binged-watched a show, planned how many cats I’ll own by thirty, and questioned how much hatred it takes to commit corporate espionage just to frame someone.You’d think it would be easy to spot, right?”
The mood of the waiting crowd shifted instantly.Someone coughed.No one looked at me anymore.One person even nodded politely and stepped aside so Gail and I could take the next elevator up.No one joined us.
“That was smart,” Gail said after the doors closed.
“It’s always fun to turn the tables on people.Now, they’ll know what it's like to have every move dissected.”I exhaled.“Thanks for meeting me at the door.I was a bit nervous about coming in today.”
“I can imagine,” she said.“Hopefully, the changes Mr.Steele has planned will put those nerves to rest.”
I doubted anything he could do would erase the cloud of suspicion hanging over me, but I didn’t say so.When we arrived on the executive floor, I was back to receiving long speculative looks, especially when I didn’t veer toward marketing but to the CEO’s office suite.
“Good morning, Gail,” the single assistant outside of Konni’s office said.“Can I get either of you anything to drink?”
“No, thank you, Marius.I won’t be staying long.”She glanced at me in question.
“Am I staying long?”
Marius chuckled.“How about another calming tea?”
My stomach sank, and I nodded, trusting his judgment and wishing I’d taken the Wulf’s up on their job offer.
CHAPTERTHIRTEEN
Konni lookedup from the paper he was reading and smiled as Gail led me into his office.
Complete devastation.
How could he look so edible?
It wasn’t fair.
“Ms.Elmantas, as requested,” Gail said.“Would you like me to stay?”
“No need.Thank you, Gail.”
She walked out, leaving me alone and confused with Konni.
“Have a seat,” he said, gesturing to the chair in front of his desk.
